Fenderhttp://www.guitarworld.com/taxonomy/term/443/all
enSweet Acoustic Gear for Your Valentinehttp://www.guitarworld.com/acoustic-nation-sweet-acoustic-gear-your-valentine
<!--paging_filter--><p>I know! It’s so hard to find just the perfect gift for that someone special. </p>
<p>That’s why we’re here to help. </p>
<p>This year, if your honey is into acoustic guitar, we’ve got some great ideas for a Valentine’s surprise.</p>
<p>You’ll be super thoughtful and no one needs to know you didn’t think of these awesome gifts yourself. </p>
<p>We’ll never tell…</p>
<p><strong>Kyser Handmade Straps</strong></p>
<p>Remember when you were a kid and you created handmade valentines? Well, think of these lovely straps as a handmade alternative for grownup guitar-players.</p>
<p>These beautiful handmade guitar straps straps feature a front elastic/leather slip (the "capo-keeper") for secure storage of your Kyser Quick-Change capo when not in use. The "capo-keeper" can also easily and securely hold a slide or a harmonica. </p>
<p>Kyser guitar straps are made from recycled leather and their unique design features a padded 2” body that leads to an extra-long tail which can be adjusted from 45" in length to 55". There are 12 unique and completely custom designs. Match one with your favorite colored Kyser Quick-Change capo.</p>
<p>Kyser guitar straps and Quick-Change capos are 100% made in the USA.</p>
<p>MSRP for straps: $69.95 each<br />
MSRP for Quick-Change capos: $24.95</p>
<p><a href="http://www.kysermusical.com">www.kysermusical.com</a></p>
<p><img src="/files/imce-images/kyser_hearts_straps.jpg" width="620" height="527" alt="kyser_hearts_straps.jpg" /></p>
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<p><strong>Luna Guitars Flora Rose</strong></p>
<p>What's more traditional than the gift of red roses on Valentine's day? And what cooler gift could there be than a guitar featuring a red rose that would never wilt and keep giving the gift of music and beauty for a lifetime? </p>
<p>Luna Guitars' Acoustic/Electric Rose embraces the sound hole and trails gracefully onto the lower bout. The red tinted abalone blossoms are stunning against the blonde quilt maple top. A remarkable instrument to give voice to one's own love and passion through music.</p>
<p>Street price is $429</p>
<p><a href="http://www.lunaguitars.com">www.lunaguitars.com</a><br />
<img src="/files/imce-images/florse.jpg" width="459" height="1200" alt="florse.jpg" /></p>
<hr />
<p><strong>Korg Pitchclip</strong></p>
<p>Show them you care….that they are in-tune! Nothing says I love you more than showing you care if their music is in-tune. </p>
<p>The new Pitch clip from Korg comes in 8 new colors, one of which is Pink! Other colors include orange, yellow, white, blue, emerald green, purple, and light blue.</p>
<p>Pink shows you are loving, kind, generous and sensitive. Pick one up for your special valentine. </p>
<p>Retails for $19.99</p>
<p>Go to <a href="http://www.korgusa.com">www.korgusa.com</a> to find a retailer</p>
<p><img src="/files/imce-images/Photos%281%29Low%20Reso1_Pitchclip_Pink2.jpg" width="425" height="561" alt="Photos(1)Low Reso1_Pitchclip_Pink2.jpg" /></p>
<hr />
<p><strong>Martin “CEO’s Choice” series</strong></p>
<p>Want to really say, “You are special and unique?” Here’s a gift that they can’t help but notice!</p>
<p>This is the eighth incarnation of C. F. Martin IV’s “CEO’s Choice” series, with favored specifications selected by Chris Martin. Martin’s largest acoustic body size, the Grand Jumbo, delivers great value for all of the included features. </p>
<p>Each CEO-8 Special Edition comes with stage ready D-TAR Wave-length Multi-Source electronics and bears an interior label individually numbered in sequence and personally signed by C. F. Martin IV. </p>
<p>MSRP: $6,999.00</p>
<p>More at <a href="http://www.martinguitar.com/new/item/3761-ceo-8.html">http://www.martinguitar.com/</a></p>
<p><img src="/files/imce-images/CEO-8_x.jpg" width="325" height="793" alt="CEO-8_x.jpg" /></p>
<hr />
<p><strong><em>108 Rock Star Guitars</em></strong></p>
<p>A gorgeous red cover reveals even more gorgeous photos inside.</p>
<p>The rich saturation of color in Lisa S. Johnson's ground-breaking photographic vision documents not only some of culture's most important rock star guitars, it also recounts how the instrument itself has become the essential symbol of rock. Johnson accompanies her images with text cultivated from her experiences and interviews that personify the musician who plays the instrument. </p>
<p>Here, the guitar is made exotic, sensuous, and evocative - it transforms from an instrument into an artwork. Some of the guitars included are those of Eric Clapton, Les Paul, Jimmy Page, Billy Gibbons, Rick Nielsen, Brian Setzer, Chrissie Hynde, Ace Frehley, Carlos Santana, Jack White and many others. Foreword by the late, legendary Les Paul.</p>
<p>For the guitar-lover on our list!</p>
<p>Includes padded-leatherette hardcover book, 16-page booklet describing inspiration behind project, a guitar pick printed with one of three holographic foil designs.</p>
<p>Retails for $108</p>
<p>More at <a href="http://108rockstarguitars.com">http://108rockstarguitars.com</a></p>
<p><img src="/files/imce-images/108%20Book%20Cover%20Shot.jpg" width="620" height="772" alt="108 Book Cover Shot.jpg" /></p>
<hr />
<p><strong>Recording King USA Custom 6 Banjo</strong></p>
<p>Got a banjo-loving honey? This gift is for you! Recording King's USA Custom 6 Banjo is the perfect combination of guitar-style playability with banjo appointments. RK takes a hand-selected maple resonator, and pairs it with a tube-and-plate 2-piece flange and dual coordinator rods. </p>
<p>It's guitar player-friendly, with a truss-rod-adjustable maple neck and 25.4” dreadnought scale. The 1-11/16" nut with allows for comfortable banjo picking, but is still narrow enough to fret chords comfortably. The bone nut and maple/ebony bridge help deliver the percussive sound banjo players love.</p>
<p>It's finished with a hand-inlaid Recording King peghead design, Tone Pros Kluson tuners, nickel-plated hardware and an electrifying candy apple red lacquer finish, perfect for your Valentine.</p>
<p>The Custom 6 is for guitar players who want something out of the ordinary, or for banjo players who want an instrument guaranteed to start a conversation.</p>
<p>Street Price $2999</p>
<p><a href="http://www.recordingking.com/custom-banjo-products/the-custom-6">recordingking.com</a></p>
<p><img src="/files/imce-images/CSB-1000-003-front-and%20back.jpg" width="620" height="879" alt="CSB-1000-003-front-and back.jpg" /></p>
<hr />
<strong>D’Addario EXP strings with NY Steel</strong>
<p>Guitar strings can pull heartstrings! We’re talking strength, reliability, just want you want in a partner. Plus great tone, of course!</p>
<p>Developed over three years of engineering and innovating, NY Steel is a proprietary alloy with unprecedented pitch stability and remarkable strength. First presented to the public in D'Addario NYXL electric guitar strings, this technology has now been added to their coated acoustic sets for the ultimate in tone, strength, and reliability.</p>
<p>EXP Phosphor Bronze MSRP: $29.90</p>
<p><a href="http://www.daddario.com/alwaystrue">www.daddario.com/alwaystrue</a></p>
<p><img src="/files/imce-images/exp17_main.jpg" width="620" height="638" alt="exp17_main.jpg" /></p>
<hr />
<strong>Fender Alkaline Trio Malibu </strong>
<p>Wow, wow, wow. If this doesn’t say “Be My Valentine,” no guitar could.</p>
<p>You’ll immediately notice the fun, one-of-a-kind look of the Alkaline Trio Malibu™ acoustic guitar. The Chicago punk band has create one of the most distinctive Fender acoustic models ever made, with its immediately recognizable heart-shaped rosette and cool looking all-mahogany construction. </p>
<p>The Fender Malibu guitar style dates to the late ’60s and offers a comfortable folk-sized body with a sweet, articulate tone great for beach parties, unplugged gigs and much more. </p>
<p>And with its maple Stratocaster® neck with a comfortable “C” profile, the Alkaline Trio Malibu also feels great to electric guitarists.</p>
<p>Price $299.99</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fender.com">www.fender.com</a><br />
<img src="/files/imce-images/fender_0.jpg" width="423" height="1200" alt="fender_0.jpg" /></p>
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<p><strong>Epiphone PRO-1 Ultra</strong></p>
<p>Had your heart broken trying to learn how to play guitar? A great guitar should be easy to fall in love with. And easy to play. </p>
<p>Epiphone’s new PRO-1 Collection was designed by pros to make learning guitar easy. And when you're ready play live, the PRO-1 Ultra plugs into any PA or amp with the Shadow® Performer™ preamp and NanoFlex™ pickup system. The PRO-1 Ultra also features a Solid Spruce top for superior sound with beautiful 5-layer Ivory and Black binding along and all of the PRO Collection's breakthrough innovations. </p>
<p>Features include:<br />
Solid Spruce Top<br />
Shadow® Performer™ preamp and NanoFlex™ pickup system<br />
All the PRO-1 Collection’s Innovative Features<br />
Beautiful Wine Red Finish</p>
<p>This year, make the Epiphone PRO-1 Ultra your Valentine!</p>
<p>PRO 1 ULTRA MSRP: $548.00</p>
<p><a href="http://www.epiphone.com">www.epiphone.com</a><br />
<img src="/files/imce-images/P_PRO1ULTRA-WR1.jpg" width="499" height="1200" alt="P_PRO1ULTRA-WR1.jpg" /></p>
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<strong>Taylor GS Mini-e Koa FLTD</strong>
<p>A beautiful guitar in a gorgeous wood says, well, “You’re beautiful and gorgeous!” And this one is a limited edition stunner.</p>
<p>Hawaiian koa’s rich and earthy complexion brings an exotic look to one of Taylor’s most popular and portable guitars on this lovely limited edition GS Mini. </p>
<p>The all-koa model features a pickguard-free top of solid Hawaiian koa, layered koa back and sides, plus an onboard ES-T pickup. The hardwood koa top will yield a focused response with a splash of extra top-end chime. </p>
<p>Other standard GS Mini appointments include an all-matte finish, 5mm dot fretboard inlays, a 3-ring rosette, and chrome tuners. The guitar ships in a GS Mini hard bag.</p>
<p>Retails for $699</p>
<p><img src="/files/imce-images/GSMini_Koa.jpg" width="620" height="917" alt="GSMini_Koa.jpg" /><br />
<a href="http://www.taylorguitars.com">www.taylorguitars.com</a></p>
<hr />
<p><strong>Guild M-120E in Cherry Red</strong></p>
<p>Now this is sumptuous! The M-120 E in Cherry Red is a concert sized, all-solid guitar that produces warm, balanced sound with excellent projection and distinctive presence. </p>
<p>Its 24 3/4” scale length and slim satin-finish mahogany neck impart effortless playability and exceptional feel. </p>
<p>Deliver clear and natural amplified sound through the M-120E's onboard Fishman Sonitone pickup system. </p>
<p>Other features include a rosewood fingerboard and bridge and mother-of pearl rosette and inlays. Also available in Natural finish and comes with a hardshell case.</p>
<p>Product Value: $885 MSRP // $699 Street Price — with hardshell case</p>
<p><a href="http://www.guildguitars.com">www.guildguitars.com</a></p>
<p><img src="/files/imce-images/M-120E_red_1.jpg" width="504" height="1200" alt="M-120E_red_1.jpg" /></p>
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<p><strong>Paul Reed Smith SE A10E </strong></p>
<p>This all-mahogany acoustic is super rich-looking AND sounding. Reminds of a box of artisan chocolate!</p>
<p>Jack Higginbotham, President, PRS Guitars, shares, “The A10E adds a new option to the SE Angelus line at a great price point for players looking to add an affordable, reliable acoustic to their arsenal. </p>
<p>"All-mahogany acoustics have long been a great tool for musicians. Known for their straightforward tone that fits well into a mix. Have a solo gig in a small to medium-sized club? The strong fundamental that these guitars provide is rich, smooth and full of sustain — perfect for that application and many others,”</p>
<p>Sells for $599 – available in Black or Tortoise Shell finishes</p>
<p>For full specifications, audio samples, and videos please visit: <a href="http://www.prsguitars.com/a10e">http://www.prsguitars.com/a10e</a></p>
<p><img src="/files/imce-images/SE%20Angelus%20A10E%20Tortoise%20Shell.jpg" width="529" height="1200" alt="SE Angelus A10E Tortoise Shell.jpg" /></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/acoustic-nation-sweet-acoustic-gear-your-valentine#comments108 Rock Star GuitarsAcoustic NationD'AddarioEpiphoneFenderKorgKyserLuna GuitarsMartin GuitarRecording KingTaylorGearBlogsThu, 12 Feb 2015 04:11:25 +0000Laura B. Whitmorehttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/23471Review: Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS and Telecaster HH Guitars — Videohttp://www.guitarworld.com/review-fender-american-standard-stratocaster-hss-and-telecaster-hh-guitars-video
<!--paging_filter--><p><strong><em>GOLD AWARD WINNER</em></strong></p>
<p>Whether you’ve been playing guitar for only two years or more than 20, you probably already know that Fender’s American Standard Series Stratocaster and Telecaster guitars are a great value. </p>
<p>Thousands of guitarists rely on these workhorse axes on a daily basis, and odds are good that you already own one if you’ve ever shopped for a new Strat or Tele. </p>
<p>However, many guitarists may not be aware that Fender offers American Standard Stratocaster and Telecaster models that stray from the traditional three- and two-single-coil pickup designs, respectively. </p>
<p>The Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS features a full-size bridge humbucker in addition to middle and neck single-coils, while the American Standard Telecaster HH swaps a pair of humbuckers for the bridge and neck single-coils. Recently, Fender introduced new pickups for both models to offer the performance of a hot-rodded custom guitar while retaining the value and versatility that has made Fender’s American Standard series so popular.</p>
<p><strong>FEATURES</strong> The American Standard Stratocaster HSS provides all of the expected traditional Strat features combined with the refinements that Fender has made to the model over the years. </p>
<p>The bridge is a two-point synchronized tremolo with a copper-infused high-mass bridge block and vintage-inspired bent-steel saddles with elongated string slots, and the control knobs and switch tip are made of aged white plastic with a “broken-in” appearance. The finish undercoat is thinner to enhance resonance, and the neck finish is tinted to give it a warmer, richer appearance. </p>
<p>Pickups consist of a Diamondback humbucker mounted at the bridge and Custom Shop Fat ’50s Single-Coil Strat pickups at the middle and neck positions. Controls include master volume, a tone control for the neck and middle pickups, and an additional tone control for the bridge only or bridge/middle setting. The five-position pickup selector provides the standard Strat pickup combinations.</p>
<p>The American Standard Telecaster HH is equipped with a pair of Twin Head humbucking pickups, master volume and master tone controls, and a traditional-style three-position blade pickup-selector switch. The back of the body has a Strat-style “belly” contour, but unlike a Strat the top has no contours. The bridge is an American Standard Strings-Thru-Body Tele model with a stamped brass plate and bent-steel saddles with elongated slots.</p>
<p>Both models have an alder body and a maple neck with 22 medium jumbo frets, a modern “C” profile, 25 1/2–inch scale, 9 1/2–inch radius, Bi-Flex truss rods, and four-bolt body attachment with Micro-Tilt that does away with the need for shims. Both models also offer a choice of maple or rosewood fretboards.</p>
<p><strong>PERFORMANCE</strong> If you’ve ever installed a humbucker in a Strat or Tele, you may wonder what the fuss is, but actually Fender has done a remarkable job designing humbuckers that provide added body and punch without sacrificing the sparkle and percussive attack that makes single-coil Strats and Teles so appealing. </p>
<p>The Stratocaster HSS’s Diamondback humbucker and Custom Shop Fat ’50s Single-Coil Strat pickups work very well together and complement each other tonally, and the output remains consistent whether using just the humbucker or individual single-coils. You still get beloved Strat single-coil neck and middle-pickup tones but with the addition of fatter bridge pickup tones that still maintain a Strat-like honk and shimmer.</p>
<p>The Telecaster HH sounds more like a fat Tele than a typical warm and somewhat woofy double-humbucker guitar, with a brilliant, crisp treble that country lead players will adore and barking midrange punch that will please rock rhythm guitarists. As a result, the Telecaster HH is much more versatile than the traditional Tele. Both the Stratocaster HSS and Telecaster HH have their own distinctive tonal personalities that may be exactly what many guitarists have sought all these years.</p>
<p>Materials, workmanship and playability all satisfy the high standards players have come to expect from Fender. Both models look and sound like old familiar friends, with a solid feel that is certain to provide years of trouble-free playing enjoyment. Fender has vastly improved the quality of the satin and polyurethane finishes used on the necks, which now feel more like oil-rubbed wood than the somewhat plastic texture of the past. The body finishes also compare with Fender’s Custom Shop instruments—the Ocean Blue Metallic finish on the Strat we examined was particularly gorgeous.</p>
<p><strong>STREET PRICE</strong> $1,299.99<br />
<strong>MANUFACTURER</strong> Fender Musical Instruments, <a href="http://www.fender.com/">fender.com</a></p>
<p>• The Stratocaster HSS features a Diamondback humbucker at the bridge and Custom Shop Fat ’50s Single-Coil Strat pickups at the neck and middle.</p>
<p>• The Telecaster HH is equipped with a pair of Twin Head humbucking pickups instead of traditional single-coils.</p>
<p>• The Strat’s two-point synchronized tremolo has a copper-infused high mass bridge block and vintage-inspired bent steel saddles with elongated string slots.</p>
<p>• The Tele HH’s body is contoured on the back like a Stratocaster to provide improved playing comfort.</p>
<p><strong>THE BOTTOM LINE</strong> If you look the look and feel of a traditional Strat or Tele but need a little more output and balls from the pickups, these new American Standard models are built to rock while remaining true to the models’ traditional character.</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/3E7xDwMnlZE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wqL4Wrqetfg?list=PLagcgzXkwROhuDckjQFJE-LjPKy1VuKIY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/review-fender-american-standard-stratocaster-hss-and-telecaster-hh-guitars-video#commentsFenderFMIC Specialty BrandsGold AwardJanuary 2015VideosElectric GuitarsNewsGearMagazineFri, 06 Feb 2015 20:56:48 +0000Chris Gill, Video by Paul Riariohttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/23001NAMM 2015: Acoustic Nation's Top Picks from the NAMM Showhttp://www.guitarworld.com/acoustic-nation-namm-2015-top-picks-namm-show
<!--paging_filter--><p>If you’ve ever wondered why you see a lot of gear introductions right around this time of year, it’s probably because we’ve all just come back from the NAMM show.</p>
<p>A celebration of everything gear-related, NAMM is a large convention in Anaheim, CA, where 100,000 industry folks gather to check out new gear and connect.</p>
<p>While the show is focused around gear, there are loads of other fun elements, including parties, dinners, concerts and of course, special events like the She Rocks Awards.</p>
<p>The week is spent checking out one cool piece of gear after another. Check out this gallery for some of my favorite gear picks, events and more!</p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/acoustic-nation-namm-2015-top-picks-namm-show#commentsAcoustic NationB.C. RichBossD'AngelicoFenderLagMartin GuitarMichael KellyMogamiNAMM 2015PeaveyRecording KingShureTaylorUltimate EarsGearBlogsSun, 01 Feb 2015 23:29:40 +0000Laura B. Whitmorehttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/23414NAMM 2015: Fender Announces Dee Dee Ramone Precision Bass Guitarhttp://www.guitarworld.com/fender-announces-dee-dee-ramone-precision-bass-guitar
<!--paging_filter--><p>Fender has announced its Dee Dee Ramone Precision Bass guitar, based on the instrument Dee Dee played with seminal punk rock band the Ramones.</p>
<p>The bass, which was debuted at the Dee Dee Ramone Exhibition at New York City’s Hotel Chelsea from December 10 to January 1 (See the video below), will be available for sale at authorized Fender dealers and on <a href="http://www.fender.com/">fender.com</a> January 22, which ties in with the 2015 Winter NAMM Show.</p>
<p>From Fender:</p>
<p>Punk bass starts with Douglas “Dee Dee Ramone” Colvin. As the pounding heart of the Ramones, he pioneered a no-frills sound and style that left a permanent mark on rock music. On a white Fender Precision Bass slung impossibly low, he defined punk bass with simple but breakneck bass lines delivered with such pulverizing sound, speed and conviction that he singlehandedly set the template for generations of punk bassists to come.</p>
<p>The Dee Dee Ramone Precision Bass guitar honors him with reverence and authenticity, just like any bassist since who’s ever planted his feet in a wide stance, slung a P Bass below the beltline and yelled a manic “1-2-3-4” count-off.</p>
<p>Features include an Olympic White gloss finish, maple neck with “C”-shaped profile and vintage-style heel truss-rod adjustment, 9.5”-radius maple fingerboard with 20 vintage-style frets, split single-coil pickup, three-ply black pickguard and vintage-style bridge with four single-groove saddles.</p>
<p>Additional features include Dee Dee Ramone’s signature on the back of the headstock, special “Dee Dee Ramone One Two Three Four” inscribed neck plate, vintage-style heel truss-rod adjustment, Seventies Fender logo decal and a single disk string tree.</p>
<p>Finally, the Dee Dee Ramone Precision Bass guitar includes an exclusive 40-page full-color scrapbook featuring never before seen photos of Dee Dee, as well as his personal illustrations, artwork and doodles, and a biography and quotes from musicians and personal friends of Dee Dee. It also includes a sticker and 18” x 24” color poster of Dee Dee playing his P Bass live with the Ramones.</p>
<p>“Dee Dee is the very definition of a punk rock icon,” said Justin Norvell, vice president, marketing for Fender. “He exemplified that fact, that all you need is the desire and will to pick up an instrument, and you can change the world. We are incredibly honored to recreate his bass guitar and to help edify his place in musical history in a way that fans can share.”</p>
<p>For more information, visit <a href="http://www.fender.com/">fender.com.</a></p>
<p><em>Photo: Ed Perlstein</em></p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hNL1PTR9sII" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/fender-announces-dee-dee-ramone-precision-bass-guitar#commentsDee Dee RamoneFenderFMIC Specialty BrandsNAMM 2015RamonesVideosBass GuitarsNewsGearWed, 07 Jan 2015 21:45:55 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/23237Practice Made Perfect: Guitar World Rounds Up 17 Amazing Practice Ampshttp://www.guitarworld.com/practice-makes-perfect-five-amazing-practice-amps
<!--paging_filter--><p>Playing live might be the best way to hone your performance skills, but when it comes to technique, you need practice, practice, practice. </p>
<p>If you play an electric guitar, your woodshedding sessions demand an amp that not only reveals the details and nuance of your playing but also sounds great—so great that it makes you want to practice more and become the best guitarist you can. </p>
<p>Of course, it’s even better if it has built-in effects, a tuner, a metronome, and connectivity to the world of digital apps, downloads and MP3 players. </p>
<p>With that in mind, we set out to find the best-sounding and best-outfitted practice amps currently on the market. Over the next pages, you’ll find practice combos and heads that pull double-duty as studio and rehearsal powerhouses and others that offer computer, USB, Bluetooth, iOS and Android connectivity. </p>
<p>Whether you love an all-tube rig, solid-state power, or feature-laden digital/modeling amps, you’re sure to find that one of these tone machines makes practice perfect.</p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/practice-makes-perfect-five-amazing-practice-amps#commentsCarr AmplifiersEpiphoneFenderIbanezPeaveyRolandSeptember 2014AmpsNewsFeaturesGearMagazineMon, 22 Dec 2014 11:40:41 +0000Paul Riariohttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/21835Fender Releases Brown Derby and Top Hat Resonatorshttp://www.guitarworld.com/acoustic-nation-fender-releases-brown-derby-and-top-hat-resonators
<!--paging_filter--><p>Fender is proud to introduce two new instruments, the Brown Derby Resonator and Top Hat Resonator.</p>
<p>Fender’s Brown Derby Resonator gives a jaunty tip of the hat to phenomenal round-neck reso-phonic sound and style.</p>
<p>Pure resonator tone rings from the mahogany body and maple top, which features dual Fender “F” soundholes and a special Eastern European “Continental” cone of hand-spun aluminum. </p>
<p>For an unmistakable Fender touch, a Telecaster headstock tops the mahogany neck, which also features a comfortable “C”-shaped profile and elegant French heel. Other fine appointments include a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with 16” radius and black binding, aged white body binding with black-and-white purfling, bone nut, maple biscuit bridge, nickel hardware, vintage-style tuners with aged white plastic buttons, and brown stain finish.</p>
<p>Fender’s Top Hat Resonator is a handsomely attired round-neck reso-phonic guitar with a deep, rich tone to match its deep, rich style.</p>
<p>Pure resonator tone rings from the satin black mahogany body and maple top, which features dual screened soundholes and a special Eastern European “Continental” cone of handspun aluminum. For an unmistakable Fender touch, a Telecaster headstock tops the mahogany neck, which also features a comfortable “C”-shaped profile and elegant French heel. Other fine appointments include a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with 16” radius and black binding, aged white body binding with black-and-white purfling, bone nut, maple biscuit bridge, nickel hardware, and vintage-style tuners with aged white plastic buttons.</p>
<p>For more information, visit <a href="http://www.fender.com">fender.com</a>. </p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/acoustic-nation-fender-releases-brown-derby-and-top-hat-resonators#commentsAcoustic NationFenderFMIC Specialty BrandsNewsGearAcoustic GuitarsNewsGearTue, 11 Nov 2014 22:33:13 +0000Acoustic Nationhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/22840Fender Releases FA-300CE Acoustic/Electric Pack with SLIDE interfacehttp://www.guitarworld.com/acoustic-nation-fender-releases-fa-300ce-acoustic-electric-pack-with-slide-interface
<!--paging_filter--><p>Fender is proud to announce the release of the FA-300CE Acoustic/Electric Pack with Fender SLIDE interface.</p>
<p>The FA-300CE Acoustic-Electric Pack gives players everything they need to start playing right now.</p>
<p>With the included Fender SLIDE instrument interface, players have everything they need to connect the guitar to their mobile device or computer for digital recording, playback and editing.</p>
<p>The dreadnought guitar delivers great tone, with a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, convenient cutaway and Fishman® Isys III pickup/preamp system with built-in tuner. </p>
<p>Its bound mahogany neck has a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard and vintage-style large Fender headstock. Elegant touches include a pearloid rosette, black pickguard and rosewood bridge with compensated saddle and abalone-dot black pins. </p>
<p>Plug it into the SLIDE interface, which comes with cable and software (AmpliTube®, Rock Prodigy®), and start your new musical career now. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.fender.com">www.fender.com</a>. </p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/acoustic-nation-fender-releases-fa-300ce-acoustic-electric-pack-with-slide-interface#commentsAcoustic NationFenderFMIC Specialty BrandsNewsGearTue, 11 Nov 2014 22:28:21 +0000Acoustic Nationhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/22839Take the Led Zeppelin Guitar Solo Video Challenge and Compete for a Supro Amp, Fender Telecaster and More!http://www.guitarworld.com/take-communication-breakdown-challenge-and-compete-supro-amp-fender-telecaster-and-more
<!--paging_filter--><p>Led Zeppelin's debut album, <em>Led Zeppelin</em>, has been a source of inspiration — and challenge — for guitarists since it was originally released in early 1969.</p>
<p>Now it's time to challenge you!</p>
<p><strong><em>Guitar World</em> and Supro Amps have gotten together to present the Led Zeppelin Guitar Solo Video Challenge. The winner will receive a new <a href="http://suprousa.com/amplifiers/dual-tone/">Supro 1624T Dual-Tone guitar amp</a> (MSRP $1,459)!</strong></p>
<p>The winner also will receive a <a href="http://www.fender.com/guitars/telecaster/classic-series-60s-telecaster-rosewood-fingerboard-black/">Fender Classic Series '60s Telecaster</a>, a copy of <em>Guitar World</em> Editor-in-Chief Brad Tolinski's latest book, <em><a href="http://guitarworld.myshopify.com/collections/guitar-world/products/light-shade?&amp;utm_source=gw_homepage&amp;utm_medium=daily_scroller&amp;utm_campaign=LightShade">Light &amp; Shade: Conversations with Jimmy Page</a></em> (signed by Tolinski), and the <em>Guitar World</em> instructional DVD, <em><a href="http://guitarworld.myshopify.com/collections/dvds/products/how-to-play-the-best-of-led-zeppelin-dvd">How to Play the Best of Led Zeppelin!</a></em></p>
<p>You can check out photos of all the prizes in the photo gallery below.</p>
<p><strong>NOTE: This contest is open only to residents of the United States. You must submit your video to <em>Guitar World</em> by December 10, 2014.</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size:18px;font-weight:bold;">Here's what's involved:</span></p>
<p>Film yourself playing your own version of Jimmy Page's iconic "Good Times Bad Times" guitar solo! Use the studio version of the solo as your guide (You can hear it below), but feel free to put your own spin on the solo. You might get special consideration for originality! You can hear both original solos via the YouTube players below. </p>
<p>Next, upload your video to YouTube and send the link — <strong>along with your FULL NAME and COMPLETE U.S. ADDRESS</strong> — to <em>Guitar World</em> at <strong>guitarchallenge@guitarworld.com</strong>. Note that you will not be considered an entrant unless you include your name and U.S. address with your video.</p>
<p>The videos will be viewed by members of the <em>Guitar World</em> staff, plus celebrity judges who will be named later. We'll pick a winner by December 25, 2014!</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/gAVB25yjY5I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jpttzhOy8QE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
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<a href="/led-zeppelin">Led Zeppelin</a> </div>
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<a href="/jimmy-page">Jimmy Page</a> </div>
</div>
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http://www.guitarworld.com/take-communication-breakdown-challenge-and-compete-supro-amp-fender-telecaster-and-more#commentsFenderJimmy PageLed ZeppelinLed Zeppelin Guitar Solo Video ChallengeSuproNewsFeaturesTue, 04 Nov 2014 22:19:52 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/22664Fender Introduces Adam Clayton Jazz Bass Guitarhttp://www.guitarworld.com/fender-introduces-adam-clayton-jazz-bass-guitar
<!--paging_filter--><p>Fender has introduced its Adam Clayton Jazz Bass guitar.</p>
<p>From the company:</p>
<p>Throughout the entire phenomenal history of the band, the music of U2 has been underpinned by the gracefully muscular bass work of Adam Clayton. His impeccable groove and expansive tone form the sonic foundation of one of the biggest bands in the history of rock music, never more powerfully than today.</p>
<p>Fender’s Adam Clayton Jazz Bass guitar puts his rock solid sound and style in bassists’ hands, with elegant appointments and elemental tone, including two potent Fender Custom Shop pickups and a beautiful Sherwood Green Metallic gloss finish with matching headstock.</p>
<p>Other premium features include a maple neck with a custom “C”-shaped profile and vintage style heel truss-rod adjustment, 9.5”-radius rosewood fingerboard with 20 medium jumbo frets and white pearloid block inlays, four-ply white pearloid pickguard, vintage-style black plastic Jazz Bass control knobs, vintage-style high-mass bridge (combination string-through-body/top-load), vintage Style “lollipop” tuners and a deluxe black hard-shell case with orange interior.</p>
<p>“I played (my Sherwood Green 1965 Jazz Bass) a lot on the ‘All That You Can’t Leave Behind’ tour and I really love it,” said Clayton. “It had a great sound and the pickups were really, really punchy. I got Fender to clone the bass I had, but rather than make it an exact replica of my beat-up Sherwood Green bass, I said, ‘Let’s make it pretty; let’s make it as beautiful as we can and make it all new.’ So, they put this together for me. … This is a great bass. I’ve been using it on the new album and I’m going to be playing it live.”</p>
<p>For more information regarding the bass, visit <a href="http://www.fender.com/features/adam-clayton/">fender.com</a>.</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EHGKzT2cfR8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
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<a href="/u2">U2</a> </div>
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http://www.guitarworld.com/fender-introduces-adam-clayton-jazz-bass-guitar#commentsAdam ClaytonFenderFMIC Specialty BrandsU2VideosBass GuitarsNewsGearThu, 16 Oct 2014 15:41:49 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/22601Fender Releases Piha'ea Soprano Ukulelehttp://www.guitarworld.com/acoustic-nation-fender-releases-pihaea-soprano-ukulele
<!--paging_filter--><p>Fender is proud to announce the release of the Piha’ea Soprano Ukulele.</p>
<p>Piha’ea is Hawaiian for playful, and that’s exactly what this soprano-style uke is, and it’ll have players smiling as soon as they strum their first chord on it. </p>
<p>An affordable yet highly playable instrument that doesn’t compromise on tone, it features an all-mahogany body, black neck and body binding, rosewood bridge, Fender headstock with open-gear tuners, and more. </p>
<p>For a limited time, the Piha’ea Soprano model is available in an all-natural finish or a version with a red screen graphic of a beautiful hula girl.</p>
<p><img src="/files/imce-images/fender%20ukulele%20hula_hi.jpg" width="620" height="190" alt="fender ukulele hula_hi.jpg" /></p>
<p>For more information, go to <a href="http://www.fender.com">www.fender.com.</a></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/acoustic-nation-fender-releases-pihaea-soprano-ukulele#commentsAcoustic NationFenderFMIC Specialty BrandsNewsukuleleGearWed, 01 Oct 2014 16:53:57 +0000Acoustic Nationhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/22480Clip-On Tuner Poll — Players’ Pickhttp://www.guitarworld.com/acoustic-nation-clip-tuner-poll-players-pick
<!--paging_filter--><p>We are thrilled to launch <strong>Acoustic Nation Players’ Pick</strong> –– a new poll series designed to let YOU decide what gear is deserving of our award. </p>
<p>For our first poll, it’s all about <strong>clip-on tuners</strong>. </p>
<p>Of all the gear necessary for today’s guitarist, the tuner might be the most important. </p>
<p>After all, if you’re not in tune, you’re definitely <em>not</em> going to win over a crowd. </p>
<p>Clip-on tuners offer convenience and functionality that have made them wildly popular today. With that said, we’ve all had our good and bad days with these things. </p>
<p>For example, it can be a bummer when you’re playing outside on a sunny day and can’t see the readout. Or how about that time your tuner fell off your headstock mid-performance?</p>
<p>All-in-all, these handy little critters are indispensable, and a number of manufacturers offer well-designed and affordable models. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes with few or many features. Here are some of the most popular clip-on tuners available.</p>
<p>Pick your favorite of the bunch from the list below and help us honor them with an <strong>Acoustic Nation Players' Pick award</strong>! Voting ends October 15, 2014.</p>
<script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/8340371.js"></script><p><noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/8340371/">Pick your favorite clip on tuner:</a></noscript></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/acoustic-nation-clip-tuner-poll-players-pick#commentsAcoustic NationBossDeltalabFenderFishmanIntellitouchKorgNewsPetersonPlanet WavesSnarkGearBlogsTue, 30 Sep 2014 15:20:42 +0000Acoustic Nationhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/22461Your Signature, Please: Five Essential Pieces of Signature Gearhttp://www.guitarworld.com/your-signature-please-five-essential-pieces-signature-gear
<!--paging_filter--><p>About 10 years ago, a home-furnishings company named a line of rugs after a gorgeous movie and TV actress. </p>
<p>It turns out that, aside from walking, sidling and sashaying on them for a few decades, she really didn't know a lot about rugs — or furniture or pretty much anything her name still graces today. But the company put her moniker on the stuff and continues to reap the benefits that a big name (and a pretty face) can provide.</p>
<p>Luckily, musicians in search of quality signature gear — from guitars to amps to effects to pickups — don't have to worry about that nonsense. Generally, gear manufacturers work closely with their signature artists, in some cases, right down to the tiniest of details (Some artists repeatedly send back their signature-model prototypes until they're absolutely perfect).</p>
<p>So, while acknowledging the plethora of fine signature gear that's available today, here's the cream of the crop: five items that simply get it right. This list was compiled by a group of <em>Guitar World</em> staffers including Gear Editor Paul Riario. </p>
<p><strong>Fender Eric Johnson Stratocaster</strong></p>
<p>Maybe you've read it in forums or heard it from people in the know (maybe even from people whose job it is to try out Fender gear all day long), but Fender's Eric Johnson signature Strat has quietly earned a reputation as possibly one of the best instruments Fender produces on a regular basis.</p>
<p>At first glance, the EJ model looks a lot like other U.S.-made Strats. But once you study the details, you start to notice its refinement. In fact, EJ-model connoisseurs tend to agree that it's not one single feature that makes this guitar special — it's the way all the smaller features work together. </p>
<p>The guitar has a one-piece, vintage-tinted quartersawn plain maple neck (contours sanded very smooth) with a ’57-style V shape; a light, two-piece alder body with deep ’57-style body contours and cavities. It comes in 2-Color Sunburst, Black, Candy Apple Red and White Blonde. The frets are highly polished. The pickups are Eric Johnson single-coils (not over-wound at all) with countersunk screws and a five-way switch. Other features include a vintage tremolo with silver-painted block and ’57-style string recess. There's no paint between the base plate and the block.</p>
<p>Basically, if you're a fan of the Stratocaster in its purest form, you'll truly appreciate this model, which also packs in several practical updates for modern players.</p>
<p><img src="/files/imce-images/EJ%20Strat.jpg" width="620" height="209" alt="EJ Strat.jpg" /></p>
<p><em>MSRP: $2,599.99 | <a href="http://www.fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0117702806">Check out this guitar at fender.com.</a></em></p>
<hr />
<strong>ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte</strong>
<p>When it comes to signature guitars made for the rigors of heavy metal, it's hard to beat the LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte from ESP.</p>
<p>The Snakebyte is a light-weight guitar that packs the heavyweight punch necessary for one of metal's marquee players. The neck is thin and comfortable, perfect for quick chord changes, and you'll find all of the high-end features of its more expensive Japanese-made cousin without sacrificing quality.</p>
<p>And, as an added bonus, the Snakebyte now comes stock with a set of EMG James Hetfield pickups, putting all of the Metallica guitarist's secret weapons — minus his fabled right hand — at your fingertips.</p>
<p>For a full test drive and review from <em>Guitar World</em> Gear Editor Paul Riaro, head <a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/review-esp-ltd-james-hetfield-snakebyte">here</a>.</p>
<p><img src="http://dl.guitarworld.com/ltdsnakebyte.png" width="620" /></p>
<p><em>MSRP: $1,570 | <a href="http://www.espguitars.com/guitars/signature/ltd-snakebyte.html">Check out this guitar at esp.com.</a></em></p>
<hr />
<strong>Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro Slash APH-2 pickups</strong>
<p>For the die-hard Slash enthusiast, there's a whole boatload of signature gear to choose from, from the "Appetite" Les Paul to a the custom octave fuzz from Jim Dunlop.</p>
<p>While you could buy your way to a pretty good replica of Slash's actual rig with enough money, the best place to start might just be the Alnico II Pro Slash APH-2 pickups from Seymour Duncan.</p>
<p>These moderate-output humbuckers will give you just the right amount of bite for those gritty riffs while still allowing for the searing sustain necessary to unleash ripping solos. Pop them in any humbucker-friendly guitar and you'll be well on your way to channeling your favorite top-hat-wearing guitar hero.</p>
<p><img src="http://dl.guitarworld.com/slashpickups.jpg" width="620" /></p>
<p><em>MSRP: $269 | <a href="http://www.seymourduncan.com/products/electric/humbucker/vintage-output/alnico_ii_pro_s_1/">Check out these pickups at seymourduncan.com.</a></em></p>
<hr />
<strong>Jim Dunlop DB01 Cry Baby From Hell</strong>
<p>Take a quick poll of metal guitarists to find out their favorite wah pedal and Jim Dunlop's Cry Baby From Hell will undoubtedly come out on top.</p>
<p>Made to the specifications of the late, great Dimebag Darrell, the Cry Baby From Hell features an extended sweep range knob, 6-way range selector and kick-in volume boost to take your solos over the top.</p>
<p>Dime, like a number of other guitarists, would often use his wah as a high-end boost for solos, leaving it fully cocked while he tore up the fretboard. Either fully engaged or used as a high-pass filter, the Cry Baby From Hell should meet all your needs and then some. </p>
<p>Now start getting those squeals and pinch harmonics down!</p>
<p><img src="http://dl.guitarworld.com/dimebagcrybaby.jpg" width="620" /></p>
<p><em>MSRP: $286.44 | <a href="http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/db01-dimebag-signature-wah">Check out this pedal at jimdunlop.com</a></em></p>
<hr />
<strong>EVH 5150 III 50-Watt Head</strong>
<p>Perhaps no one's tone is as sought-after as that of Eddie Van Halen. And fortunately for all you finger-tapping maniacs out there, almost no other guitarist has more quality signature gear on the market.</p>
<p>And while his Wolfgang Special guitar is top-of-the-line and the MXR Phase 90 will have you rocking the cradle with the best of them, it's his line of signature amps from EVH that have really made a mark on the world of hard rock and metal.</p>
<p>Even if it is a scaled-down version of its 100-watt big brother, there's no denying the EVH III 5150 50-watt head packs a <em>lot</em> into a small package. This three-channel amp matches up nicely with any cabinet, but you definitely can't go wrong with any of the cabs in the EVH 5150 III line. Pair it up with either the 2x12 or 1x12 and you'll have 'em dancing in the streets in no time!</p>
<p><img src="http://dl.guitarworld.com/evh5150.png" /></p>
<p><em>MSRP: $1,333.32 | <a href="http://www.evhgear.com/gear/subpage?partno=2253000400">Check out this amp at evhgear.com.</a></em></p>
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http://www.guitarworld.com/your-signature-please-five-essential-pieces-signature-gear#commentsDimebag DarrellDunlopEddie Van HalenEric JohnsonESPEVHFenderJames HetfieldSeymour DuncanSlashGuitar World ListsAmpsElectric GuitarsNewsFeaturesGearFri, 29 Aug 2014 14:46:55 +0000Damian Fanelli, Josh Harthttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/16421Fender Releases Limited American Standard Guitars, New Classic Player Models and Special Edition Blacktop Modelhttp://www.guitarworld.com/fender-releases-limited-american-standard-guitars-new-classic-player-models-and-special-edition-blacktop-model
<!--paging_filter--><p>Fender has released several new Limited Edition American Standard Series guitars, new Classic Player Series models and a Special Edition Blacktop Series guitar.</p>
<p>All the details can be found right here:</p>
<p>The venerable <strong>American Standard Stratocaster</strong> now comes in a new limited-edition model featuring Fender’s innovative channel-bound compound-radius fingerboard and the time-honored look of a Dakota Red or Sonic Blue gloss finish. The fingerboard is inlaid into the neck in a design with an elegant appearance and a distinctive fretting-hand feel in which both edges are comfortably rounded, with no side seam between neck and fingerboard. </p>
<p>Further, the fingerboard’s 9.5”-14” compound radius graduates smoothly from a more rounded profile at the nut (great for chording) to a more flattened profile near the body (great for soloing).</p>
<p>The workhorse <strong>American Standard Telecaster</strong> is also available as a new limited edition model featuring Fender’s innovative channel-bound compound-radius fingerboard and the time-honored look of a Dakota Red or Sonic Blue gloss finish.</p>
<p>In addition, Fender introduces two brilliant new limited edition looks for the American Standard Stratocaster—Vintage White with a tortoiseshell pickguard and rosewood fingerboard, and Mystic Aztec Gold with a parchment pickguard and maple fingerboard. All the acclaimed features, sound and style of the archetypal American Standard Stratocaster, now in even more beautiful finish options.</p>
<p>Former Fender Custom Shop Master Builder Chris Fleming has taken his previous design for the <strong>Classic Player Baja Telecaster </strong>and upgraded it with full-on 1960s features and vibe, including a rosewood fingerboard and a comfortable ’60s “C”-shaped neck profile. The guitar also features an alder body, 9.5” fingerboard radius and 21 medium jumbo frets, single coil American Vintage ’52 Tele (neck) and ’58 Tele (bridge) pickups with special four-way (including both pickups in series) and S-1 switching, three-ply pickguard, American Vintage string-through body Telecaster bridge with three brass “barrel” saddles, special Custom Shop neck plate engraving and more.</p>
<p>Fender Custom Shop Master Builder Yuriy Shishkov has designed an entirely new model for the Classic Player series that blends ’60s and ’70s styling with modern high-performance. The <strong>Classic Player Strat HH</strong> has special touches including dual Wide Range Special humbucking pickups, five-way switching with coil splitting for more traditional single-coil Stratocaster sounds, and a sultry Dark Mercedes Blue gloss finish with a matching headstock. Other features include a maple neck with a comfortable ’60s “C”-shaped profile, bound rosewood fingerboard with 9.5” radius and 22 medium jumbo frets, three-ply black pickguard, two-point synchronized tremolo bridge with modern plate and vintage-style saddles, and vintage-style Fender “F”-stamped tuners.</p>
<p>Fender Custom Shop Master Builder Todd Krause has designed an unusual take on the Telecaster for the Classic Player series. The high-performance <strong>Classic Player Triple Tele</strong> rocks three slanted Nocaster single-coil bridge pickups for truly distinctive modern tone and the classic look of a black finish and pickguard paired with a one-piece maple neck/fingerboard. Other features include a thick “C”-shaped neck profile, 9.5” fingerboard radius and 21 vintage-style frets, five-way Stratocaster-style switching, vintage-style string-through-body bridge with three brass saddles, special Custom Shop neck plate engraving and more.</p>
<p>Originally created in the Fender Custom Shop by Master Builder Jason Smith, the <strong>Rascal Bass</strong> joins the Fender lineup as a sleek short-scale Classic Player model loaded with distinctive features and personality. With its ’60s-era Bass VI body, three Seymour Duncan lipstick Stratocaster pickups, 30” scale and gorgeous gloss Ocean Turquoise finish with matching Coronado-style headstock, there’s no other Fender bass like the Rascal. </p>
<p>Other premium features include a flat-sawn maple neck with a comfortable “C”-shaped profile, 9.5”-radius rosewood fingerboard with 21 medium jumbo frets and special inlay scheme (bass-side dot markers from 3rd to 9th frets, double dots at 12th fret, treble-side dot markers from 15th to 21st frets), vintage-style heel-end truss rod adjustment, white pearloid pickguard, five-way pickup switch with chrome “barrel” tip, push-pull master volume control that delivers seven pickup configurations, master tone control, distinctive bridge with four adjustable steel “barrel” saddles, vintage-style tuners and more.</p>
<p>The <strong>Blacktop Jazzmaster</strong> is now available in a scorching special edition HH model with dual humbucking pickups for even more supercharged tone. Further, a new all-black look features a Candy Apple Red racing stripe that takes a sleek cue from the great “competition stripe” Fender models of the late ’60s and early ’70s.</p>
<p>For more information, visit <a href="http://www.fender.com/">fender.com.</a></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/fender-releases-limited-american-standard-guitars-new-classic-player-models-and-special-edition-blacktop-model#commentsFenderFender GuitarsElectric GuitarsNewsGearWed, 27 Aug 2014 21:32:22 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/22225Fender 60th Anniversary American Vintage 1954 Strat, 60th Anniversary Commemorative Strat and American Deluxe Strat Plus — Reviewhttp://www.guitarworld.com/fender-60th-anniversary-american-vintage-1954-stratocaster-60th-anniversary-commemorative-stratocaster-and-american-deluxe
<!--paging_filter--><p>In some ways, the Fender Stratocaster has changed very little since it was introduced 60 years ago in 1954, but in other ways it has changed quite a lot. </p>
<p>Part of this is due to the staggering selection of Strat models that Fender has offered over the years (<a href="http://www.fender.com/">Fender.com</a> currently lists 170 different versions). </p>
<p>Some, like the 60th Anniversary American Vintage 1954 Stratocaster, are faithful reproductions of past models, while others, like the American Deluxe Strat Plus, offer bold new innovations that pave the way for an exciting future. Then there are models like the 60th Anniversary Commemorative Stratocaster, which combine vintage features that guitarists love with modern improvements to satisfy the demands of present-day players.</p>
<p><strong>Features:</strong> The 60th Anniversary American Vintage 1954 Stratocaster is based on Fender’s very first version of the guitar. </p>
<p>Like the original, it has a two-piece ash body with two-tone sunburst finish, a one-piece maple neck with 21 vintage-style frets and a 7 1/4-inch radius, three single-coil pickups, a synchronized vintage tremolo bridge with six bent steel saddles (which are even stamped “Pat. Pending”), “mini-skirt” control knobs and a single-ply white plastic pickguard. The main significant difference between this model and an original vintage ’54 Strat is that this one ships with a five-position pickup-selector switch, although a three-position switch is provided for purists.</p>
<p>On the surface, the 60th Anniversary Commemorative Stratocaster looks similar to the ’54, but closer examination reveals several significant differences, including the neck’s compound radius and 22 medium-jumbo frets, gold-plated hardware, tuners with white pearloid buttons, and three-ply parchment pickguard with beveled edges. Underneath the hood are upgrades that include a no-load tone control for the middle and bridge pickups, a two-point synchronized tremolo, a bi-flex truss rod with micro-tilt adjustment and a contoured heel. </p>
<p>The American Deluxe Strat Plus also looks a lot like the original Stratocaster, but in many significant ways it’s a radical departure from the classic Strat that still manages to remain faithful to its roots. It shares several features in common with the previous example, including a compound radius and 22 medium jumbo frets. </p>
<p>Where it differs, though, are in its noise-free N3 single-coil Strat pickups and plug-and-play modular Personality Cards, which provide instant access to different pickup and circuitry configurations. In addition to the standard configuration card loaded in the guitar, the American Deluxe Strat Plus ships with two additional cards: Cutter, which transforms the tone controls into master treble and master bass cut controls, and Blender, which turns the middle tone control into a master treble cut and the other tone control into a neck/bridge pickup blend control. (The neck and bridge pickups are also engaged in each pickup selector position except three, which engages only the middle pickup.) The Personality Cards are solderless and can easily be swapped out. </p>
<p><strong>Performance:</strong> A non-playing collector recently paid $250,000 for a 1954 Strat that allegedly was the first one produced. But aside from a magic number stamped inside the tremolo cavity plate, there’s not much difference between that guitar and the 60th Anniversary Vintage 1954 Stratocaster to justify the $247,000 difference in price. If you’ve ever played an original ’54 Strat, the 60th Anniversary model will feel and sound just like that familiar old friend. The neck profile may be a little chunkier than today’s sleek examples, but when it comes to classic Strat tone, this new version truly delivers.</p>
<p>From a tone perspective, the 60th Anniversary Commemorative Stratocaster is a lot like the original ’54 Strat as well, with similar tones that every guitarist knows and loves. However, the feel of the neck is an entirely different matter, offering a comfortable C-shaped profile, medium jumbo frets and a compound radius that makes it significantly easier to play. The tremolo is also a little more refined and can handle deep dives much more competently and without going out of tune.</p>
<p>The American Deluxe Strat Plus model’s Personality Card feature is a major game changer. The different cards install in just seconds and transform the guitar into an entirely different beast. The Blender, in particular, can significantly expand the Strat’s tonal spectrum. The locking tuners and noise-free N3 pickups respectively provide rock-solid tuning and studio-quality quiet performance, and the guitar’s overall tone is bolder, bigger and more aggressive.</p>
<p><strong>List Prices:</strong> 60th Anniversary Commemorative Stratocaster and American Deluxe Strat Plus, $2,099.99; 60th Anniversary Vintage 1954 Stratocaster, $3,099.99 </p>
<p><strong>Manufacturer:</strong> Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, <a href="fender.com">fender.com</a></p>
<p><strong>Cheat Sheet:</strong><br />
-The 60th Anniversary Vintage 1954 Stratocaster faithfully replicates numerous features of the original ’54 Strat.<br />
-The 60th Anniversary Commemorative Stratocaster includes player-approved features like a compound radius and no-load tone control.<br />
-The American Deluxe Strat Plus includes Fender’s acclaimed noise-free N3 single-coil pickups, which provide fat, assertive tone.<br />
-The Personality Card feature of the American Deluxe Strat Plus allows guitarists to instantly change pickup and circuitry configurations.</p>
<p><strong>The Bottom Line:</strong> Whether you’re a vintage purist, present-day practitioner, or modern visionary, these three new Fender Stratocaster models satisfy the needs of almost any guitarist and celebrate the Strat’s 60th anniversary in style.</p>
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--><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script><!-- End of Brightcove Player --><!-- End of Brightcove Player -->http://www.guitarworld.com/fender-60th-anniversary-american-vintage-1954-stratocaster-60th-anniversary-commemorative-stratocaster-and-american-deluxe#commentsFenderJuly 2014Electric GuitarsNewsGearMagazineTue, 12 Aug 2014 15:36:40 +0000Chris Gill, Video by Paul Riariohttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/21305Guitar World Book Sale: 'How to Hot Rod Your Fender Amp'http://www.guitarworld.com/guitar-world-book-sale-how-hot-rod-your-fender-amp
<!--paging_filter--><p>As every guitarist knows, it's all about tone. But getting that magical tone can sometimes be a black art. </p>
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<p>Covering both old and new Fender amps with how-to photos and schematics, these tips include essential and fundamental pointers like selecting tubes, capacitors, pots, and other electronic equipment, as well as biasing and setting up your amp. </p>
<p>Author Jeffrey Falla modified his first amp at age 13 and soon after built his first amp with parts salvaged from old jukeboxes. Today, he builds ToneTron amps for select clientele and still gigs regularly.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://store.guitarworld.com/collections/guitar-world/products/how-to-hot-rod-your-fender-amp/?&amp;utm_source=gw_homepage&amp;utm_medium=daily_scroller&amp;utm_campaign=HotRodFender">This 184-page book is available now at the Guitar World Online Store for $27.99.</a></strong></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/guitar-world-book-sale-how-hot-rod-your-fender-amp#commentsFenderNewsFeaturesTue, 17 Jun 2014 15:00:46 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/19139